Christmas is nearly upon us, but Ibec is already looking to 2016. With an election likely to be called early in the New Year we are ramping up our General Election Campaign.

Over recent weeks we've travelled the country, launching the campaign in every region. It was great to hear your feedback, some of which is captured in this edition. At the same time we are meeting political parties and election candidates to set out the clear vision business has for the country.

The case for collective, decisive action is beyond doubt and business supports these efforts. But Ireland currently has an unfair share of the most ambitious target in the world. This needs to be addressed.

In November, the Ibec general election campaign ‘Putting ambition to work’ began its tour of the country, bringing together over 600 business leaders, general election candidates and policy makers to discuss the national and regional business priorities for the next government.

Speaking at the Global Economic Forum at Dublin Castle, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy outlined how the island of Ireland can potentially cater to a population of 10 million over coming decades. Mr McCoy said we now need to set out a vision and a plan for an island characterised by world-class infrastructure, productive investment and a great quality of life.

Retail Ireland has just published its Christmas Retail Monitor 2015 with key indicators pointing to the best Christmas for the retail sector since 2008. Measures outlined in Budget 2016 look set to raise consumer sentiment and boost spending among festive shoppers.